Ilera Holistic Healthcare is partnering with The Apothecary Shoppe’s New Iberia location to showcase new products and educate potential patients Friday, Oct. 27.

Starting at 9 a.m., Ilera Holistic Healthcare will host a patient education table, and starting at 10 a.m., a panel will present new products and open the floor up to questions.

Ilera Holistic Healthcare is one of two medical marijuana growers and producers in Louisiana and The Apothecary Shoppe is Acadiana’s only medical marijuana dispensary.

In addition to showcasing products and educating the public on how the program works in Louisiana, The Apothecary Shoppe will be offering all first time patients who sign up between October 27th and November 31st a 20% discount on their first order.

As of 2020, Louisiana law allows physicians to recommend medical marijuana to patients for any debilitating condition. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, insomnia, pain and more. The Apothecary Shoppe and Ilera Holistic Healthcare hope to bring awareness about the potential therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana to Louisiana residents, as well as how the program works and how to become a patient.

Blair Vidrine, Chief Executive Officer at The Apothecary Shoppe, expressed excitement about the event.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ilera to educate the community of New Iberia and surrounding areas about the accessibility and benefits of safe and effective medical cannabis treatments. Our mission is to improve the lives of patients through personalized care, high-quality products, and best-in-class customer service, and this event will be another step forward in reaching that goal,” Vidrine said.

Lisa Gray, Chief Executive Officer at Ilera Holistic Healthcare praised Vidrine and the Apothecary team as key partners in educating the community about the impact on quality of life these medicines can have for patients.

“We continue our journey together in providing a Medical Marijuana 101 forum this week where current and new patients can ask any questions and understand what the products are, how to use them, and what the impact may be on their health and well-being,” Gray said.

Dr. Rani Whitfield, a family and sports medicine physician and vice chair of Southern University’s Board, expressed the significant positive impact of medical marijuana on patients. Dr. Whitfield underscored the compelling effects that medical marijuana can have on the quality of life for individuals dealing with various health issues.

“Medical marijuana has been instrumental in improving patients’ ability to function, particularly for those with chronic conditions, especially chronic pain. It has the potential to bring a sense of normalcy back to the lives of both patients and their families,” Whitfield said.

In addition, State Representative Marcus Bryant expressed his satisfaction with the choice made by The Apothecary Shoppe to establish a presence in the New Iberia region.

“Apothecary Shoppe is providing much needed access to high-quality medical marijuana for patients in the area. I commend them for creating a comfortable and confidential environment, which is particularly vital for new patients who may be uncertain about whether this form of medicine is suitable for them,” Bryant said.

For more information about The Apothecary Shoppe and Ilera Holistic Healthcare, please visit www.theapothecaryshoppe.net and www.ileraholistichealthcare.com.